Latest Avalanche, Penguins & Sabres Rumors – October 1,2013.

Why aren’t the Avalanche making trades now? Are the Penguins truly interested in Ilya Bryzgalov? How long will Ryan Miller and Tomas Vanek remain Buffalo Sabres?

DENVER POST: Adrian Dater reports there was talk over the weekend of the Avalanche and Flyers making a deal, with the Flyers shipping a defenseman to Colorado for Avs checking forward John Mitchell. While Dater is confident the two clubs “talked”, he noted Avs coach Patrick Roy said his team wasn’t interested in making trades right now. Though the club has plenty of cap space ($10.6 million), Roy said they want to see how their current roster performs before making any deals. He also noted teams which are pressed for cap space are “trying to unload the player that basically no one wants”, adding that’s no help for the Avalanche.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A wise decision by the Avs. Though they’re lacking in skilled experienced blueliners, there really wasn’t very much available to choose from. Yes, I know, some of you will ask, “what about John-Michael Liles?” Well, Liles has a partial no-trade clause and if asked might not be keen to return to Colorado, but I think the Avs front office really isn’t interested in bringing him back.

Where could Miller and Vanek go?

USA TODAY: Kevin Allen, in his “answers to pressing NHL questions”, speculated over how long Ryan Miller and Thomas Vanek will be with the Buffalo Sabres this season. Allen guesses the duo (both slated for UFA status next summer) will be with the Sabres until close to the March 5 trade deadline, when the bulk of their expensive contracts have been paid out. Given Vanek’s Minnesota ties, Allen speculates the Wild could be interested in him if the Sabres fail to re-sign him.

PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW’S Josh Yohe reported yesterday via Twitter: “Just spoke with a very reliable source who made it clear that the Penguins are not currently interested in (Ilya) Bryzgalov.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Well, that settles that…wait, Yohe’s source said they’re “currently” not interested in Bryzgalov. Doesn’t mean they won’t pursue him later, right? Right?? See what I did there? Seized upon one word to keep the “Bryzgalov-to-Penguins” rumor alive. In reality, the Penguins lack the cap space to add a free agent. If Vokoun is out indefinitely and Marc-Andre Fleury struggles, they could be forced to add another goalie, but they’ll have to free up more cap space to do it. For now, they’re crossing their fingers Fleury plays well and Vokoun returns before the end of October.

8 Comments

Shticky
on October 1, 2013 at 3:48 pm

Vanek getting the C in Buffalo? Seems like there might be a little “we’re not so bad…ya sure you wanna go?” happening. Dont blame them Vanek could help speed the retool along, Id try and convince him to stay too.

I like Vanek…. natural goal scorer ….unreal hands ….never needed to go only reason would be to save money or go younger ! But in the end you would have to get a very respectable player or players back !

I still think Miller should look to be moved out …but in a UFA year next year its a tough sell!
Trade dead line move to Colorado… IMO

Not I. The Sabres don’t need Vanek at this stage in their development. And I don’t consider him a model for the younger kids either. He’s too streaky and moody.

Making Ott captain (well, half a captain) is a wise move. THIS is the kind of player you want to mentor the youth. He gives 100% every night, unlike Vanek.

Jason W
on October 2, 2013 at 8:11 am

Mentor the youth how to take dives

Mercs
on October 1, 2013 at 10:50 pm

I would hazard to guess that JML would rather play for the AV’s than the Marlies.

Konstantine
on October 2, 2013 at 1:58 pm

If the Avs wanted JML they would’ve picked him up off waivers instead of trading.
Odds are the talk with Philly was for Meszaros, Roy would re-visit those talks if the Avs are in the basement come Dec

Ron Moore
on October 2, 2013 at 5:42 pm

Why would the Avs help the Leafs, another team, with their cap situation for free? I’m sure the Avs or anyone else for that matter now have the leafs over a barrel when they come time to trade him. The only hope and prayer the Leafs have is that another team is really in need of a NHL defenseman due to multiple injuries.

Zapp Brannigan
on October 2, 2013 at 9:14 pm

Is it just me or does it read like Patrick Roy is the GM of the Avs? I thought he was just the friggin coach?

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